Gutter Thoughts 010
Starting Fresh: Tools, Simplicity, and Stoic Practices for 2025
Welcome to Gutter Thoughts, where I share insights into my creative process and philosophy each week. From exploring big ideas to finding inspiration in comics, books, shows, and movies, this space is all about staying creative and grounded.
Weekly Creative Focus
Whether diving into creative work or spending time learning and reflecting, here’s what’s been on the mind and plate this week.
2025: A Fresh Focus on Creativity
It’s a new year, and with it comes fresh opportunities to realign with what matters most. For 2025, I’m focusing on simplifying, appreciating what I have, and honing the tools and practices that fuel my creativity. This week, I’ve started putting those intentions into action:
Caring for My Tools
Creativity starts with preparation. This week, I focused on taking better care of my tools—starting with my trusty mechanical keyboard. Cleaning it felt like a small, satisfying ritual that reminded me how maintaining the basics can set the stage for bigger creative strides.
Simplifying Comics
I’ve been reflecting on my core reason for making comics: to tell a cool story. That clarity has sparked a shift in my approach—exploring shorter comics. There’s a certain magic in simplicity, and this year, I aim to embrace that more in my storytelling.
Mapping the Vision
Big projects need clear direction. I’ve started drafting a "State of the Union" address for Boom Kids and my other comic ventures. It’s an exercise in stepping back, assessing the landscape, and setting a clear path forward. I’ll be sharing that soon, so be on the lookout.
Helping Creatives Grow
Ghostwriting has become a meaningful way for me to contribute to other creatives' journeys. Offering my skills to help them bring their ideas to life is not only rewarding but also energizing. Supporting others fuels my own creative drive.
Minimalism in Action
“Buy less, use more.” That’s my mantra for 2025.
This week, I’ve been re-engaging with things I already own, from books to art supplies, and rediscovering their value. Consumption isn’t always about acquisition—it’s about appreciation.
Stoic Creativity
Applying Stoic principles to my life and art feels like a natural evolution. This week, I’ve been practicing the art of focusing on what I can control and letting go of distractions—a mindset shift that’s already changing how I approach my work and challenges.
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This Week’s Creative Sparks
Here are the shows, books, movies, comics, and more that have sparked my creativity this week:
Manga Spark: Touge Oni: Primal Gods in Ancient Times Vol. 1
Every now and then, I find myself wandering through the manga section at Barnes & Noble, letting the covers and artwork guide my curiosity. On one of these ventures, I discovered Touge Oni. The striking art pulled me in, but it’s the story that’s kept me hooked.
Set in a richly imagined fantasy world of gods, divine instruments, and other fantastical elements, each chapter feels like a self-contained tale building toward something grander. After a bit of digging, I learned this series is considered one of the most underrated in the genre—a true hidden gem.
As I continue developing my own Divine Champions Fantasy series, Touge Oni has become both a source of inspiration and a reminder of the magic of great storytelling.
Graphic Novel Spark: Birdking Vol. 2
I’ve been a fan of CROM since his The Golden Campaign days. His work never fails to inspire me, especially during those creative slumps. A few years back, I even had the chance to meet Daniel Freedman at my local comic book shop, where he shared some invaluable comic writing advice with me and a friend.
Naturally, I had to read Birdking, and I absolutely loved it when I picked it up last year. At the start of 2025, I finally dove into Volume 2, which didn’t disappoint. The story expands in thrilling ways, and the character designs are absolutely stunning. Every time I put it down, I find myself reaching for my sketchbook, eager to create.
I can’t wait to dive into the third volume soon and am already counting down to the fourth installment, set to release later this year.
Comic of the Week
As a Stoic Creative who loves comics, I’ve always enjoyed recommending ones that spark inspiration. This has been my favorite section, but it’s time for a change. I’ve noticed that I’ve mainly shared mainstream titles here. While there’s nothing wrong with that, lately, I’ve been captivated by independent and unique works that deserve more attention.
Moving forward, this space will highlight those projects—uplifting voices and creators in the comics world who might otherwise be overlooked. These aren’t just stories I love; they’re works that inspire creativity and resilience in ways that resonate deeply with me. I can’t wait to share them with you.
The Stoic Quote of the Week
A Stoic quote to inspire and motivate, helping to stay grounded in the creative process.
“Stop wandering about! You aren’t likely to read your own notebooks, or ancient histories, or the anthologies you’ve collected to enjoy in your old age. Get busy with life’s purpose, toss aside empty hopes, get active in your own rescue—if you care for yourself at all—and do it while you can.”
-Marcus Aurelis, Meditations
On the last day of December 2024, I came across a quote that resonated with me. It wasn’t the first time I’d read it—it was the fifth time I’d encountered it in The Daily Stoic. But for the first time, I wasn’t seeking guidance. Instead, I read it as a reminder that I’m already on the path of pursuing my life’s purpose.
The takeaway was clear: what matters most is continuing to pursue this purpose daily with intention and resolve.
So here’s my question for you: What’s the purpose you’re pursuing? And how can you take one small step toward it today?
That’s a wrap for this week’s Gutter Thoughts. Thanks for joining me on this creative journey—hopefully, something here sparked an idea or inspired your own work. Until next time, stay grounded, stay creative, and keep pushing forward.
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